Classroom management

Social Theories of Development and Learning:
Classroom Observation Analysis


Social Theories of Development and Learning
Introduction
The aim of this paper is to provide a brief analysis of the kindergarten classroom which I have been observing. It will also discuss Dual Language Program which has been being employed by the teachers,Ms. L and Ms. C, for over 7 years now. This program is considered to be one of the most effective in terms of meeting needs of greater number of learners, besides it has been proved as one of the alternatives to master a second language well.
Classroom and Behavioral Management
Every teacher has to provide child with all the possibilities and safe environment for hisor her development to the fullest. As explained by Pressley & McCormick (2007) Principles of classroom management provide teachers with a great deal of guidance about how to maintain order in the classroom without creating an aversive environment (p.133) Despite the great number of strategies and techniques which have been developed to assist a teacher, a today’s educator often feels frustratedbecause of the inability to control his/her learners and/or teach them the required material. Knowledge of classroom and behavior management is essential for having a well-structured and effective study session. The relationship based on mutual respect and understanding between a teacher and a child is essential part of good instructional program realization.Dual Language Program
According to the numerous studies, dual language or dual immersion program has a number of advantages, especially if to speak about the one which is being employed from early years. Many educators who teach children within dual language program start from kindergarten. According to Soderman, the research in this area has proven a number of cognitive advantages forearly exposition to second languages (56). Unlike unilingual children in educational environment, bilingual children “are driven to higher levels of cognitive flexibility” (Soderman 56). Learning a second language in dual language program is different from that of regular learning a foreign language which can be found in regular school. This program can give much more than mere acquisition ofvocabulary, a set of grammar rules or practical syntax. The language is learned and practiced in real life context which requires critical thinking and problem solving using a second language. A study made by neuroscientists proves that bilingual children have better mathematical skills. Besides, Kovelman, Baker, and Petitto claim that bilingual brain develops a kind of a “neural signature” which isabsent in the monolingual brain (153). Finally, such second language acquisition may lead to revelation of “the biological extent of the neural architecture underlying all human language” (Kovelman, Baker, and Petitto 154). However, teachers have to be trained and taught how to apply the bilingual program in the classroom settings of because of peculiarities of instructions and task of the program.Observations Analysis
The instruction within Dual Language Program which I have been observing proved to be very effective. The kindergarten classroom gets their home assignments once a day in English and in Spanish. It gives children the possibility to process the same information equally in both languages. According to my observations, only kindergarteners and first graders switch aclassroom to another. There are two teachers: one teacher who teaches regular English is Ms. C, and the other teacher named Ms. L teaches in Spanish. As for the curriculum, they teach Teacher College Reading and Writing. Besides, they teach everyday Math (all lectures are available). Regarding phonics, the teachers take them from any book. Besides, they have their own phonics but they follow the song...